China’s health authority urges enhanced malaria prevention awareness

BEIJING — China’s National Health Commission (NHC) has called for better public awareness of malaria prevention ahead of the 12th National Malaria Day, which falls on April 26.

The NHC, mainly targeting the prevention of imported malaria cases, advised outbound travelers to have a better knowledge of the malaria incidence of their destinations before departure and to consult doctors in a timely manner in case of suspected infection.

Medical workers should treat patients in accordance with industry protocol, according to the NHC.

Noting that malaria is preventable and curable, the NHC warned the public against mosquito bites and called for bans on blood donation from malaria patients.

China reported zero domestic malaria infections in 2017 and has vowed to eradicate the infection by 2020.